Memorial Day Weekend 2011

A little late is better than never, right? How many times have I said that. Finally, here are pictures from Memorial Day Weekend.

We started the weekend out with a little trip up to Taylor's Falls with our friends, The Carters.

The big girls did a little hike while we cleaned up after lunch. Here are Bella, Lucy & Lucille.

Elizabeth and Ellen had to get some pictures in as well.
Ellen also wanted to demonstrate how strong she is.

Then we all headed up the trail. The big girls had the lead with Moms chasing after them and Dads & littles following behind.

As we hit some of the bigger hiking areas Ellen and I stayed closer to the bottom.

After Lucy came down, she let me get a quick pic too.

A quick shot of me and my gals.

Another attempt. . .

The girls hit the rock walls again.

Then we went out of the park for a sweet treat.

The next day we got to head up to the cabin for a little more fun. We got to hang with Sam, Paola & David for a few hours before they had to head back to the cities.
Lucy and David had some fun with new water shooters.

Ellen did a different kind of shooting.

That night, Ellen slept in a big girl bed for her first time!

However, It only lasted a few hours. She woke up 'scared', so I crawled in with her and spent the rest of the night with her.

In the morning, the three well rested members of the family headed out on the dock for some fishing.

While they were fishing, a new toy almost got away! Grandma to the rescue.

As punishment for not going in after it, we made Jer get in it!

Can you see Ellen's little face in there with Lucy?

Being a big blueberry seemed like so much fun at the time. . .

The girls climbed in with me and Dad sent us for a spin. Well, not really, the rolling happened one at a time, we just all had to get in for a picture.

Great fun. Great weekend. See ya next year.

Hopefully I'll blog before then!

Ellen's 2nd Birthday: Part 2

On Ellen's birthday we packed up the car and headed to Viroqua for a few days. It had been Auntie Sandy's birthday earlier in the week and we thought the birthday girls should celebrate together. I snapped a quick picture of Ellen in the front yard before we left. She picked this dress out at the store and was so excited to get to wear it.

Ellen got to ride on the yellow donkey when we got there.
Other special guests were there for the party as well. We had the honor of picking up Molly from the airport in mpls and brought her with us. Mindi, Ryan & Jim were in Viroqua when we got there.

We spent some time at the park. Ryan found some treasures.

Mindi and Lucy loved just being together.

They were saying 'Buz Lightyear to the rescue!'

Ryan checked out the dragon.

Here is our attempt at getting all of the kids together for a photo. . .

The next day, the little monkeys made a banana cake for Ellie & Sanny's birthdays.

Since it was a banana cake and I'm a theme-a-holic, It had to be a curious george party. The banana cake was the 'yellow hat'.

Here are the birthday girls.

Gram & Ellen

After cake, we opened presents. Ellen had one big present outside. She pulled the cover off and said 'Now??'

Then she hopped in with Lucy.

And away they went for a wagon ride.

The next day was Mother's Day. After a big delicious breakfast, we headed out for a hike.

Lucy brought a few of her new favorite things.

Gram & Auntie Sandy took the girls to check out the view.

And Little Ellie enjoyed picking many dandelions.

Well, I'm tired just looking at the pictures. It was a fun filled five days!

Ellen's 2nd Birthday

Our busy little bee is turning 2! Even though her birthday is tomorrow, we had to start the party today since she is such a busy little girl.

Grandma & Papa, Auntie Katie, Uncle Tom & Hans came over for supper and cake to celebrate with the little 'honey' tonight.

Mommy & Daddy made her cake!

It is amazing that I got this picture. Ellen was VERY excited to blow out the flame for her birthday. She kept blowing out the match before Jer could get the candles lit. She finally let him light the candles for a split second.

We are headed to Auntie Sanny's house tomorrow for a few more days of partying and hanging out with more family.

Happy Birthday Ellen.